Senior Data Scientist III - GEOINT/Remote Sensing

PNNL is seeking a Senior Data Scientist with expertise in data science and a passion for solving mission-critical challenges in the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) domain. The selected candidate will contribute to research and development programs within the AI and Data Analytics Division which specializes in data science, applied mathematics, advanced analytic architectures, software engineering, and human-centered computing.

The Data Scientist will work as part of interdisciplinary teams to deliver data-driven solutions that address critical national security challenges. This individual will collaborate with peers to develop machine learning (ML) models, analyze geospatial datasets, and perform research that bridges cutting-edge methods and field-ready solutions. The candidate will support PNNL’s mission by contributing to impactful R&D projects that help tackle national challenges.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow professionally while working on diverse, mission-focused projects. At PNNL, we foster a collaborative and innovative work environment aimed at lifelong learning, creative problem-solving, and advancing interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation., * Drives the execution of research by developing, testing, and deploying ML models and geospatial analytics workflows.

• Takes ownership of defined tasks or small projects, proactively identifying technical challenges and proposing solutions to senior staff or project leads.
• Engages with stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into actionable technical approaches aligned with sponsor goals.
• Serves as a mentor to junior staff or interns within the team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
• Supports proposal development and business development by contributing to proposals and/or briefing sponsors.
• Builds effective working relationships within your immediate team, as well as across interdisciplinary teams at the group or division level.

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience, * Degree in data science, computer science, physics, mathematics, or similar discipline.
• Expertise in GEOINT workflows, including experience with remote sensing platforms, multi-modal data fusion, and advanced geospatial analytics.
• Experience working with hyperspectral imaging data in the LWIR, including:
• Developing and validating machine learning-based detection, classification, and unmixing algorithms
• Full product pipeline experience (radiometric calibration, atmospheric correction, geometric correction, etc.)
• Strong spectral sensing fundamentals (radiative transfer, reflectance/emissivity, absorption features, SNR/noise modeling, sensor characterization)
• Proficiency with hyperspectral analysis and visualization tools (e.g., ENVI/IDL)
• Experience working with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data (complex/IQ and formed products), including:
• Developing and validating both traditional signal-processing and machine learning-based detection and classification algorithms
• End-to-end SAR image product conversion pipeline experience
• Proficiency with SAR rendering tools
• Strong knowledge of SAR/RADAR theory fundamentals (wave propagation, scattering, speckle, Doppler/geometry, calibration, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with geospatial analysis tools (e.g., GDAL, GeoPandas, Google Earth Engine) and machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience training, fine-tuning, and applying deep learning models for remote sensing and GEOINT applications, including Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), object detection, and segmentation, using models and frameworks such as YOLO, Detectron2, DINOv2, Segment Anything Model (SAM), Vision Transformers, and geospatial foundation models.
• Proven proficiency in creating proposals and technical reports.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present technical findings to diverse audiences and work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct., * U.S. Citizenship

• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $140,200.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $228,800.00/Yr.

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.

The AI and Data Analytics Division, part of NSD, combines profound domain expertise and creative integration of advanced hardware and software to deliver computational solutions that address complex data and analytic challenges. Working in multidisciplinary teams, we connect foundational research to engineering to operations, providing the tools to innovate quickly and field results faster. Our strengths are integrated across the data analytics lifecycle, from data acquisition and management to analysis and decision support., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs., Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.